« Solidarity – The Challenge for Europe »

Why ? Each generation has to earn and consolidate freedom and peace for its own time. Our generation is no exception. Today, eighty years after the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the world once again finds itself in the midst of a severe economic and financial crisis, which carries with it the potential for dangerous social and political consequences, including the temptation to revert to nationalism and protectionism. The way out of this crisis and the key to peace lie in the combination of personal and political values encapsulated in the term ‘solidarity’. Our meeting in Gdansk will offer an opportunity to explore the challenge of solidarity for Europe .

Where ? The date and place chosen have a particular symbolic significance. Not only do they remind us of the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 and the end of Communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe in 1989, but also the first visit by Pope John Paul II to his homeland in 1979, which gave rise to Solidarnosc, the social movement of millions of Poles which started in Gdansk.

Who ? Delegates from the Bishops’ Conferences will constitute the majority of the expected 600 participants. In addition, the Catholic networks at the European level and religious orders will be represented. Half of the participants will be younger than thirty-five years old. Finally we are deeply committed to organize this event in an ecumenical spirit.

The Conference will take place in the Baltic Philharmonic (Gdansk)

Working languages of the Conference will be English, French, German, Italian and Polish

• Download the Programme of the Conference
  
• Journalists can proceed here to their Press accreditation
• Download Practical Information and flight schedule to reach Gdansk

For any further Information, please contact the COMECE secretariat